VERB

PATTERNS
UP 4.2
 WHAT ARE VERB
PATTERNS?

Verb patterns refer to the way we use certain verbs with other
verbs in a sentence in English.

It's important to understand verb patterns in order to sound

natural in English.

 VERB
PATTERNS

Some verbs are

followed by the ‘to’ However, some other
infinitive. verbs are followed by
a gerund, which is the
-ING form of the verb.
GERUNDS
Grammar rules:
1.- When the verb is the subject of the
sentence.

Example: SMOKING is bad for your health.

GERUNDS

2.- After prepositions.

Example: They are interested in READING

comics.

GERUNDS

3.- After some verbs.

Example: We like snowboarding.

GO + ING
We often use this to describe
activities such as:

go shopping
go fishing
go skiing
go swimming
go camping

Verbs that only take -ING

adore prefer
avoid risk
can't stand suggest
consider like ING
enjoy love
finish (not) mind
hate give up
INFINITIVE
Grammar rules:

1.- After adjectives.

Example: It is not easy to speak Japanese.

INFINITIVE
Grammar rules:

2.- After some verbs.

Example: I want to break free.

Verbs that only take

INFINITIVE
afford manage
agree need
choose offer TO
decide promise INFINITIVE
expect refuse
help want
learn would like / want
INFINITIVE
Grammar rules:

3.- As an infinitive of purpose.

Example: I phoned my friend to say sorry.